Senior Baseball: The Thrill of Playing in the World Series

When Reggie Jackson was dubbed Mr. October it was because of his clutch-hitting ability in post season play, a time of year filled with eager fans itching for the World Series.

Things seldom change. And as the pros take to the field in anticipation of capturing their pennant dream a different World Series provides an opportunity to men over 50 to feel the sun on their cheeks and the leather in their palms with hopes of capturing a similar dream.

Each fall in Phoenix, AZ the Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series brings together teams from countries all over the world - United States, Australia, Canada, Virgin Islands to name a few -- for a week of hardball competition that might not rival the big leaguers in ability, but definitely matches them in enthusiasm and heart.

While the league has a twenty-year history of offering non-pros over the age of 18 and professionals out of the bigs for at least five years a chance to feel young again as they swing a bat and run the bases, it's really the guys in their fifties and sixties that are the most fun to watch.

One such team, the Los Angeles Athletics in the 55+ wood bat division, has known its share of glory. "I played the first ten or so years in the 30+ and 40+ divisions and never got to a championship game," says Rick Harris, center fielder for the A's. "I finally get the chance to switch to a 50+ team and the first year I do, we take home the prize. We did it again the next year, too."

Sidelined by knee problems, he took a year off to rehab. When he returned, he found his team had made the leap to the 55+ wood bat division. Just a few months shy of his 55^th birthday, Rick was excited to be one of the young guys on the team and get the chance to use wood instead of the aluminum bats used in the regular divisions.

For the next two years, the Athletics took home the crown. Going undefeated the first year and losing only one game the second, they are looking forward to going for a three-peat this October. "We would be one of only a very few teams who ever achieved such a feat," suggests Rick, clearly excited about the prospect; but excitement is a common feeling for this long-time player and his friends and family, "who are just as much a part of the team," according to Rick.

In fact without their support, it might just feel like another league game. "To know those closest to you are just as dedicated to your success as you are makes the winning so much sweeter. The emotion is indescribable," he says, as a faint tear comes to his eye.

So for that one week at the end of October when a group of aging ball players gathers to enjoy the camaraderie, the weather and the game that they love without regard to the aches and pains, and with only slight regard for the wins and losses, it is easy to understand that while the ultimate goal is to slip that trophy ring on their finger, it really is all about the thrill of the competition.